A BURGLAR has been jailed for two years despite a courtroom plea for mercy from his victim.

Lee Richardson, 25, broke into his aunt Diane Robinson's home in Striding Edge, Washington, and took property including a ring belonging to her late mother.

Despite her ordeal at having had her home raided while she was out at work, Ms Robinson sent a heartfelt letter to Newcastle Crown Court asking her nephew to be given help for his drug addiction rather than punishment.

But Mr Recorder Hirst jailed Richardson, who has previous convictions for burglary, for two years.

The judge told him: "I have read a letter in which your aunt pleads for help in the form of sentencing with your drug and alcohol abuse.

"There has been a very moving request you should be treated leniently."

The judge said despite the plea for leniency, his public duty meant Richardson must be put behind bars, despite him being assessed by the probation service as suitable for a drug rehabilitation order in the community "This is an unusual offence because it was your aunt's premises and she was a person you held in particular esteem, you were therefore hurting someone I presume you loved."

Defence barrister Jamie Adams said Richardson's offending was fuelled by his need for drugs, a problem he is now motivated to tackle.

Richardson, of Blackfell, Washington, had admitted burglary and asked for another raid at a flat where he used to live to be taken into consideration.